Known for his environmental activism, the former Tasmanian senator will deliver a lecture titled "Why is planet Earth not on the radar?"

The lecture will discuss protectionist issues and will attempt to answer the question: "why did Australians vote for six mega coal ports to be built inside the Great Barrier Reef in 2013?"

The first openly gay member of parliament was outspoken on many issues during his 16 years in Federal parliament including human rights, gay marriage reform and climate change. 

Since his resignation from politics in 2012, Mr Brown has continued his activism through his self-established Bob Brown Foundation. 

He became the chairman of the controversial anti-whaling group Sea Shepherd Australia in 2013 but resigned in earlier this year. He released his book  ‘Optimism’ in 2014, which illustrates through his stories why he remains optimistic about the future.

His visit to UOW is a part of the Faculty of Business’ annual economic and social policy public lecture series.

The talk will be held on October 23, 6pm to 8pm at the University of Wollongong, building 67 foyer and room 67.104.